Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: Five key takeaways from Premier League 2026-27 match

The Gunners secured a solid comeback victory tonight.

Arsenal took on Chelsea in an exciting Matchday 3 fixture of the English Premier League 2026-27 season at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 6, 2026. Goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard secured a 2-1 comeback victory for the Gunners.

The Blues made a fast start through Morgan Rogers, who scored in the second minute. Declan Rice failed to clear a free-kick properly, with the ball falling to Jorrel Hato. The Dutch wing-back played the ball to Rogers, who volleyed past David Raya.

Just 10 minutes later, a ball was played into the box by Rice, and there was a massive goalmouth scramble. Gabriel’s initial shot was saved by Emiliano Martinez, and Riccardo Calafiori squeezed the loose ball into the back of the net in the 12th minute. However, the goal was ruled out by VAR as Ezri Konsa was adjudged to be in an offside position.

Kai Havertz found the equaliser in the 25th minute. Rice was at the heart of it, playing the ball to Havertz, whose low strike went in despite Emiliano Martinez getting a hand to it. Pedro Neto hit the post just before half-time, but both sides went into the break level at 1-1.

Martin Odegaard scored in the 50th minute. After a slick move from the Gunners, Havertz allowed Christos Tzolis’ pass to run through to Odegaard. The Norwegian struck the ball sweetly to find the back of the net. That goal proved to be the winner, maintaining Arsenal’s perfect start to their title defence.

Important things we learned from Arsenal vs Chelsea:

1. Blues score first, again

For the third consecutive league match, Chelsea scored the first goal. Joao Pedro scored in the first minute against Fulham, and Romeo Lavia scored in the fourth minute against Brighton & Hove Albion. Rogers needed just two minutes to find the back of the net against Arsenal. Despite their defensive issues, scoring has not been a problem for Xabi Alonso’s side.

2. Brilliant response by the Gunners

Trailing at home is not something Arsenal fans are used to seeing. However, the Gunners responded brilliantly to going down early in the match. They pushed forward in numbers, putting Emiliano Martinez’s goal under relentless pressure. Chelsea defenders barely had a chance to breathe. Calafiori thought he had scored the equaliser, and VAR came in to rescue the Blues by flagging Konsa as offside.

Also Read: Everton 2-2 Manchester United: Five key takeaways from Premier League 2026-27 match

3. Rice superb for the hosts

Declan Rice was one of the best players on the pitch for the Gunners. The midfielder had the most touches in the first half and was involved in the free-kick move that ended with Calafiori putting the ball into the back of the net – before it was ruled out. Rice eventually set up Havertz’s equaliser in the 25th minute with a fine pass. An assured performance from the talismanic player.

4. Odegaard rejuvenated this season

Martin Odegaard endured a tough couple of seasons, hampered by injuries and a loss of form. However, the Gunners captain has been superb this campaign. He scored in the FA Community Shield final against Manchester City and in the Premier League opener against Coventry City, and added to his tally tonight. More than the goals, it is the renewed hunger and drive in his play that has given an edge to the home side.

5. Pedro & Palmer disappoint

Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer made a good start to the new season, having eight goal contributions in the league between them so far. However, the pair completely failed to turn up in tonight’s clash. Palmer failed to get in on the action, with much of Chelsea’s play coming down the left flank. The former Manchester City youngster had two shots on target but failed to beat David Raya. Pedro, meanwhile, had very few touches in the opposition box and was forced to drop deep into midfield as the match progressed.

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